cording minſtrels. Gain thee a name in arms, and then aſpire to the envied alliance of the houſe of Albert.”
Theſe words, like an arrow, penetrated the heart of Edwin. Love and ambition, hitherto at variance, were now united; they concurred in the ſame purſuit, and their vehemence was irreſiſtible. Accordingly the youthful warrior prepared for his departure, and took a tender farewel of Adela. “Farewel!” ſhe replied, the tears guſhing from her radiant eyes. “Heaven knows, no gallant youth but thee ever ſhared my affections. May the holy angels, who regard true and virtuous love with eſteem, grant thee protection! Speedy be thy return! And O! remember me. Gay and courtly dames, ſkilled in ſeducement and cunning device, may ſtrive to allure thee; but their love will not equal mine.” They plighted vows of mutual fidelity, and exchanged tokens of unſhaken attachment. Then Edwin, clad in complete armour, a gay undaunted warrior, mounted a ſteed proudly capariſoned, and bent his courſe to the plans of Catalonia, where the Saracen waded in the blood or Spain.
Soon after his departure, Edgar, a proud and wealthy chieftain, with a numerous retinue of knights and retainers, came to the caſtle of Albert. He was received with pomp and hoſpitable welcome. He caſt amorous glances on the reſerved, unrivalled charms of Adela. He preferred his courtſhip with ſtudied ſmiles, and ſpeeches deviſed with cunning. She heard him at firſt with indifference; he periſhed, and ſhe requited him with contempt. He then addreſſed his ſuit to the baron: he boaſted of the high renown of his anceſtors, and the wide extent of his domain; he expatiated of the number of his vaſſals; and inſiſted, in magnificent terms, on the mutual honour and ſecurity that would accrue from ſo ſeemly an alliance. Albert liſtened to him with partial and pleaſed attention; he repented of the hopes he had encouraged in the ſoul of Edwin; and endeavoured to perſuade his daughter to forget her attachment to the valiant youth. In vain the aſtoniſhed
